RALEIGH—At last night’s first UNC-TV sponsored forum, the three announced Republican candidates for Governor cast their vision for North Carolina’s economic future.  Each GOP candidate set out plans to lower taxes, improve education, diversify our economy, decrease over-regulation by the government, and enforce our too often ignored immigration laws.  Meanwhile, the Democrats were too busy sniping at each other to face the challenges our economy is facing.   

“The Democrats running for governor swiped at each other Thursday night in a televised forum, turning what was to be a discussion on the economy into a flurry of attacks. 

By contrast, the Republican race remained staid. The three announced GOP candidates used their session on UNC-TV to stake out positions on economic issues.”

(“Dems bicker; GOP sets vision” The News & Observer, January 11, 2008 http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/874582.html) 

“The two leading Democrats for governor delivered rhetorical jabs during a debate broadcast live on public television Thursday night. Meanwhile, the three Republicans showcased various versions of their ‘get tough’ stance on immigration.”

(“Democrats bare claws at debate” News & Record, January 11, 2008 http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080111/NRSTAFF/96811251) 

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement: 

“I want to commend the Republican gubernatorial candidate for staging an excellent debate on the issues facing our state.  Our candidates understand that the next four years will be critical in the life of our state and its people.  However, the two Democrat candidates are too busy bickering and bullying each other to tell us what their plans are for North Carolina.  But what can we expect?  Democrats have been in the Governor’s mansion for sixteen years and what have their plans brought us?  Democrats have given us the highest taxes in the Southeast.  We have experienced a precipitous loss of jobs.  One-third of our children are dropping out of high school.   

Both Richard Moore and Beverly Perdue have been in state government to create these problems and now they want us believe they have the solutions.  Democrats cannot make a case to change Raleigh.  They are Raleigh.  If Democrats had plans to see our state become more prosperous, they have had plenty of time to enact them.  The fact is they are fresh out of ideas and now only seek to maintain power.  North Carolina voters will ultimately embrace the candidate with the best vision for the future of our state.  It is time to change leadership in North Carolina.”

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